Acrylic or Oil-based Polyurethane?

[caption id="attachment_8852" align="alignleft" width="300"] What's Your Preference?[/caption]

When finishing your floors, polyurethane is a great choice to seal and slightly stain your floors. But the choice of acrylic or water-based polyurethane rears its head and requires answering.

Both water based and oil based poly offer good protection; the biggest difference is in appearance. If you love the natural look of maple, apply a water-based (waterborne) polyurethane. They appear milky in the can, but go on clear and remain clear. They'll slightly accent the character of your wood without giving it the amber tint of an oil-based poly. (However, some woods, like the oak shown, cry out for that amber tint.) Water-based finishes dry fast—most within two hours—so you can apply several coats in a day and use the room that night. They have minimal odor and clean up with water too.

And for more tips on upgrading your home, take a look at our blog. And if you're looking for a house for rent in Cleveland, OH, take a look at our Cleveland rental properties and call Reilly Painting and Contracting for all your Home Mechanic and remodeling needs. If you're looking to rent out your home at any time of the year, we are also a property management company for anyone looking to rent out a home without the hassle.